Bad Überkingen - Rock round

We set off from Bad Überkingen to do some hiking in the nature reserve Hausener Wand.

Our path led us over a steep switchback path through a dense beech forest, which challenged our condition that was used to less steepness.

Slightly out of breath, we finally arrived at the Swabian Alb plateau.

There was still some snow in some places and a cold wind was blowing.

We followed the path of the "Rock round" for a while. Along the way, we had a good view of the valley below us.

One of the rocks we looked down from has a legend associated with it: Once, a beautiful virgin is said to have fled here from a hunter who had evil intentions. Her escape ended on an impressive rock that was surrounded by steep cliffs. There was no way out, and the virgin decided to end her life. After she jumped from the rock, the hunter believed she was dead. But a friendly Swabian lion is said to have caught her below the rock, allowing the virgin to survive. Since then, the rock from which she jumped is called "Virgin's Rock".

We did not jump from any rocks, as it is dangerous nowadays since Swabian lions are believed to be extinct.

Instead, we took a circular route over the Swabian Alb plateau and through a small village up there before returning to our starting point.

After our descent, we returned to Bad Überkingen and strolled through the spa park.

In the evening, we had Swabian Maultaschen (a type of pasta dish) at the "Hohe Schule" hotel to replenish our energy.